Labuan Bajo is the capital metropolis of Mangarral Barat regency, which serves because the jump-off level to those adventures across the more and more identified Komodo Nationwide Park.

House to an ample marine life, Komodo Nationwide Park is a UNESCO World Heritage website that makes up 26 of the 17,508 islands of Indonesia. What it’s most identified for, nevertheless, are its lethal Komodo dragons which are endemic to the world.

Right here we visited three of its largest islands – Komodo, Rinca and Padar over a interval of three days! (Extra of the final 2 within the subsequent posts).

Komodo Island

Our journey took off from the small fishing village of Flores in Labuan Bajo. There are excursions operated by native businesses, which you’ll be able to e book beforehand. If you happen to’re extra of a spontaneous traveler, nevertheless, the harbour that function port of entry to the islands have tour officers for on-the-day bookings.

Komodo Island in Indonesia

The journey to our begin off level in Loh Liang Nationwide Park on Komodo Island took a bit of over an hour, relying on the velocity of the boat.

Komodo Islands

Komodo Island

As we docked on the Loh Liang Nationwide Park, all 40 of us adventurous souls had been separated into smaller teams, every with a chosen ranger that now we have to stay near all through our trek.

Komodo Dragons

A quick orientation on the fundamental guidelines and rules was given previous to the trek, and it was very important that everybody paid consideration.

Orientation Photograph by Sheila Gomez

The rangers imply enterprise once they stated, “keep near us”. However, in fact, they had been additionally variety and enjoyable sufficient to reply all our questions. They even urged that we identify our group! We known as ourselves the crew “Bongga” (Filipino phrase for fabulous) as urged by Potpot of Journey Trilogy.

Discover the gap between the ranger above and the Komodo dragon, that’s as shut as you will get to them.

Whereas it’s unlikely for Komodo dragons to assault guests (if correct guidelines are adopted), the anti-venom for his or her chunk is sort of 2 hours away in Bali by air.

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

These dragons are delicate to the smallest of actions so it’s greatest to take sluggish and delicate actions round them. That stated, even the bottom of voices could possibly be heard so attempt to preserve them down as properly.

Komodo dragon up shut Photograph by Aileen Adalid

For girls, it’s advisable that you just chorus from taking the trek if you’re in your interval, as these dragons can scent blood as much as 5.9 miles away! They even run as quick as 20mph and so they can climb timber as properly! To not scare you, although. For so long as you are taking the mandatory precautions you then’ll be wonderful. A number of the women within the group had been really on their interval however they caught actual near the rangers and so they all obtained out in a single piece. ?

As these islands are one of many driest and hottest spots within the nation, it might be advisable to use sunscreen and put on a hat as you go trekking with the right footwear. I really went with slippers however the route we took was wonderful sufficient for this type of shoe put on.

If you happen to’re greater than the standard adventurer and would wish to take a barely more difficult (but extra thrilling route), there are three kinds of trekking excursions supplied by the Loh Liang Park. Relying on the length and issue that’s most fitted for you, it’s possible you’ll select amongst the choices under:

Quick Trek

Medium Trek

Terrain & Sights: dry forests, scorching circumstances, brief climbs and steep descents. Waterhole with Komodo dragons and different species on the island (Timor deer, wild boar, and so forth.)

Lengthy Trek

Length: 2.5 hours

Issue: difficult (This trek is for the guests in good bodily situation)

Terrain & Sights: larger altitudes, stiff climbs, scorching circumstances, rugged terrains. You’ll get a greater understanding of the predator-prey relationship of Komodo dragons (you may very well see them hunt).

We took the simplest route out of all three for apparent causes for some women within the group, however it was nonetheless fairly an expertise. Being a bit of frightened, anticipating what may really occur subsequent within the tour was really enjoyable in itself, to be fairly sincere.

Fortunately, there have been no accidents that occurred. The Komodo dragons remind me of Godzilla in actual life. Scary, sure, however if you happen to watch them from a distance, they’ll really be fairly admirable.

Up subsequent could be yet one more encounter with the dragons in one other island, plus a hike up top-of-the-line views of Indonesia!